Donate to Jose Perez's Immigration and Education Fund

My name is Jose Perez and I am from Mexico. I emigrated as an adult from Mexico to The United States without knowing English. Studying is a dream that I always have. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to study in Mexico because of our economic situation and in Mexico the education is so expensive.

When I arrived to The United States, I started to do physical work. I was working in warehouses loading and unloading containers by hand. After a few years working I was injured and disabled for a few months. I realized that I need to study to provide a safer living for myself and my family.

I decided to attend school and I started in the first ESL level in an adult school and I finished adult high school. Then, I started taking ESL level classes in East Los Angeles College. It is not easy to make a living and study at the same time. I have made many sacrifices; I was living in a neighborhood in the middle of gang fights because the rent was cheaper than other areas and allowed me to attend school.

I was evicted because the owner sold the property and I became homeless. It is too hard to get an apartment in LA. I ended up living in Lake Elsinore far away from ELAC. The online classes allowed me to do it. I just came back from Lake Elsinore to East LA. last January. I have done many sacrifices and I am willing to do more sacrifices to achieve my education goals. I would like to obtain a master's degree in Logistics or International Business. Currently, I am working on a Political Science degree in ELAC and I have a few AA’s degrees such as Computer Science,Business Administration,Law Public Policy, and Society, Administration of Justice, and Logistics and Technology. Also, I have a few certificates in International Trade and International Law and Public Policy Administration. I have also been awarded five times with the President’s Honors.

I am involved in athletics activities as well. I have run 5 LA marathons and I would like to do the Ironman Triathlon.

However, the barrier of being undocumented has stopped me from obtaining many opportunities. For instance, work as a college student and from receiving financial aid as the American Citizens does, and many scholarships as well. In addition, my status as undocumented has impacted my personal life too because it is harder for me to obtain work and rent an apartment.

After waiting for 20 years for my priority appointment with the immigration office, finally I have my appointment but I have budget constraints and I do not have how to cover the lawyer expenses and immigration fees. I am asking for help to pay the fees of an immigration lawyer and the fees of the immigration office because without a work permit all my degrees are useless.